As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the 4 Nations Face-Off with limited on-ice action, the focus shifts to the approaching NHL trade deadline, less than three weeks away. It’s a critical juncture for the team, and now more than ever, the time has come for the Maple Leafs to make a significant, bold move.
Last year, the Leafs made four strategic trades in the lead-up to the deadline, sending away six draft picks in an effort to bolster their roster. However, the additions of Ilya Lyubushkin, Joel Edmundson, Connor Dewar, and Cade Webber had minimal impact. None of these signings were crucial in the postseason, with Lyubushkin, Edmundson, and Dewar failing to score in playoff action against the Boston Bruins.
General Manager Brad Treliving and his front office must reconsider their cautious approach. This year, they need to take a more aggressive stance and address the clear shortcomings in their roster.
Why a Big Splash Is Necessary
1. Addressing Roster Weaknesses
The central position in the Leafs’ lineup is the most glaring need. When the season began, it was evident that Austin Matthews and John Tavares needed a more reliable third centre to support them. The brief experiment with William Nylander in the middle line did not yield results. Subsequent players in the third centre role struggled, particularly in the postseason.
During their first-round series against the Boston Bruins, Pontus Holmberg failed to score a single point, and John Tavares was burdened by defensive responsibilities due to the lack of a capable third centre. Tavares struggled to generate offense, posting no five-on-five goals throughout the series.
Adding a centre who can handle tough minutes and contribute offensively would drastically improve the Leafs’ lineup. This player should be able to make substantial contributions, helping Tavares and Matthews with their defensive duties and providing depth scoring.
David Pastrnak battles with Joel Edmundson in Game 7 of Toronto’s first-round playoff series with Boston last year. (Bob DeChiara / Imagn Images)
Depth scoring is another significant issue for the Leafs. Improving in this area can be a byproduct of adding a capable centre. Additionally, adding a right-handed defenceman to bolster the top four could provide the team with the physicality needed for playoff hockey.
2. The Competitive Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference is currently wide open, with teams vying for playoff spots and deep playoff runs. Currently, the Washington Capitals lead in points percentage and goal differential, but they were swept in the first round last season. This gap in dominance means that the Leafs have a realistic chance to challenge for a playoff berth and possibly even a Stanley Cup.
Significant additions could put the Leafs above their competitors. Compared to other Eastern Conference contenders, the Leafs lag behind in goal differential, ranking sixth overall. Making impactful trades could narrow this gap and improve their playoff chances.
| Rank | Team | Goal Differential |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Washington |
56 |
|
2 |
Tampa |
44 |
|
3 |
New Jersey |
33 |
|
4 |
Carolina |
30 |
|
5 |
Florida |
27 |
|
6 |
Toronto |
13 |
|
7 |
Ottawa |
2 |
|
8 |
Detroit |
-11 |
3. Financial Investment from Contenders
When a team is in contention for the Stanley Cup, it’s essential to build the best possible roster. This often means plunking down significant assets, including draft picks and current players. Trading future prospects and current depth players is the reality of being a contender, and many top teams do not shy away from these high-stakes moves.
The Lightning, for example, made numerous high-profile acquisitions over the years, including Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow. This approach yielded two Stanley Cup titles. The Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers also embraced big trades, leading to playoff success.
The Leafs have a history of making trades, but these moves often haven’t translated into deep playoff runs or championships. Bringing in the right players could change that. Acquisitions like Ryan O’Reilly and Jake McCabe helped the team in the 2023 playoffs, highlighting the importance of impactful trades.
4. The Urgency of Current Roster Age
The tactical look of the Leafs’ roster reveals a growing need for youth and star power. Auston Matthews, at 27, has limited time left under his current contract. Mitch Marner, 28, is unsigned beyond this season, and John Tavares, 34, is also without a long-term deal. The Leafs need to capitalize on the remaining prime years of their current stars.
Adding a young, star player could not only enhance the lineup immediately but also provide long-term stability. If the team fails to make significant improvements, it may face challenges retaining key players who are entering their final seasons of their current contracts.
GM Brad Treliving faces a unique challenge. As a former Flames GM, he’s known for his cautious approach, making high-impact trades less frequent. However, the Maple Leafs are no longer in the same position as the Flames. They’re a team on the brink of contention, and a bold move could be the catalyst needed for a championship push.
Time is of the essence. The Leafs need to make significant changes now to compete effectively in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Conclusion
The Toronto Maple Leafs stand at a crossroads ahead of the trade deadline. Overcoming their current roster challenges and positioning the team for playoff success will require a big splash. Critical areas such as centre ice, depth scoring, and top-four defencemen need addressing. The competitive landscape in the Eastern Conference offers an opportunity for the Leafs to make a statement, potentially securing a top spot for the playoffs.
Practically, this will likely involve significant asset allocation, including future draft picks and current depth players. The Leafs must be willing to take risks, as the top contends in the NHL do repeatedly.
The urgency is real. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares are all at critical stages of their careers. Missing out on a big opportunity now could mean losing these players to other teams, or watching them struggle without the support they need to win a Stanley Cup.
Brad Treliving and the front office must be bold—embracing significant changes to bolster the team and give their star players the support they need to reach their ultimate goal.
What do you think? Should the Leafs take a big risk for a big reward? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
(Top photo of Brad Treliving: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)